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McNabb hopeful not to miss any games with sports hernia

Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2005

By DAN GELSTONAP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA  Donovan McNabb tossed touchdown passes on a broken ankle and played an NFC title game with an agonizing rib injury.

Now McNabb is taking his biggest health risk yet: playing with a severe abdominal strain that likely will need surgery and definitely will leave the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback in discomfort and pain all season.

''Fortunately for me, I haven't got to the point where you just can't go,'' the Eagles' star said. ''Once that happens, then I think the best way of handling this is not being out there. But I don't think that would ever happen.''

Trainer Rick Burkholder said rest will not fix the problem and McNabb can play if he can handle the pain. McNabb, who practiced Wednesday, does not have to be sidelined now for the sports hernia.

''We're hoping it's something we'll be able to manage,'' Burkholder said. ''The plan with Donovan is to allow him to participate, continue to rehabilitate him and we're going to take it on a day-by-day, game-by-game situation.''

McNabb is expected to start Sunday against Kansas City and is willing to play through his various injuries. McNabb also is playing with soreness in his chest and a shin contusion.

''I'm ready to go,'' McNabb said Wednesday. ''I don't have any concerns right now. ... It's just something you have to deal with and realize some days you'll feel great and some days you won't.''

McNabb was tested last week for the sports hernia, but coach Andy Reid called the injury an abdominal strain after the Eagles' win over Oakland. McNabb went to Boston on Tuesday for another opinion and it was confirmed he has a sports hernia.